Duration: 3 Days
Available: Year-round
Carolina Beach isn’t just for family vacations - it’s also the perfect spot for a grown-up escape. From creative culinary spots and craft drinks to coastal trails and unique cultural experiences, this three-day itinerary offers a refreshing mix of relaxation and adventure, designed to help you make the most of an adults-only getaway.
Day 1: Colorful Streets and Creative Bites
Drop your bags at Golden Sands
Check in and leave your bags at Golden Sands Carolina Beach Oceanfront Tapestry by Hilton. Whether you’ve booked a breezy balcony room overlooking the Atlantic or a roomy suite with a kitchenette, your stay will include touches of comfort designed for adults. Step outside to find yourself just steps from a sparkling seasonal pool, fitness center and the hotel’s iconic Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar - be sure to grab a casual cocktail or fresh coastal bite!
Morning
Morning Activity: Self-guided tour of the Carolina Beach Mural Project
Kick off your trip with a self-guided stroll along the Carolina Beach Mural Project. This collection of vibrant, large-scale works celebrates the island’s eclectic history and culture. Pick up a map from a local shop (Seaside Shenanigans Gift Boutique features souvenirs to commemorate your trip, while the CB Surf Shop has beach gear and Carolina Beach-themed apparel – just to name a few!) or download it online to chart your route. With more than a dozen murals scattered around town, it’s an inspiring way to get oriented and the perfect opportunity to snap a few Instagram-worthy shots.
Afternoon
Lunch and Afternoon Activity: Tasting History Tours’ Signature Food Tour
Sample the flavors of Carolina Beach with the Signature Food Tour from Tasting History Tours. This guided culinary adventure offers generous tastings from local restaurants while blending in fascinating stories of the island’s past. Although the tour is typically offered seasonally, it can sometimes be booked on demand in the off-season.
Off-Season Alternative: Lunch at Michael’s Seafood and a ride around Freeman Park
If Tasting History Tours is not available, swing by Michael’s Seafood for a taste of savory dishes from the sea and land. Be sure to try the world famous clam chowder, or indulge in a “Build Your Own” Steamer Pot. For the afternoon, take a drive out to Freeman Park. It allows four-wheel drive access with permits, meaning you can cruise the sandy shoreline, park right on the beach and enjoy the ocean breeze and pristine waters with fewer crowds. Outdoor bonfires are permitted in designated areas, and camping is also allowed, making it a great option if you’re in the mood for a more adventurous escape.
Evening
Dinner at Seaworthy Kitchen + Bar
Just steps from the shoreline, Seaworthy Kitchen + Bar pairs a relaxed coastal vibe with a menu that shifts with the seasons. Stop in for a seasonal happy hour or linger over dinner featuring a mix of locally sourced “dock-to-dish” seafood and farm-fresh fare. Options range from shareable charcuterie boards to casual handhelds and hearty entrées, with an ever-changing drink list - featuring inventive classics and craft cocktails - to match.
Evening Activity: Take a swing at Putter Pub
For a playful, grown-up spin on a childhood classic, cap off your first day with some lighthearted competition at Putter Pub - an indoor mini-golf bar where each hole has its own creative theme. Grab a drink, challenge your friends and see who takes home bragging rights.
Day 2: Coastal Trails and Craft Sips
Morning
Breakfast at The Southerly
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at The Southerly, a modern takeout café known for its Southern comfort dishes with a twist. Favorites include the breakfast poutine with sausage gravy, shrimp omelet and their fresh-baked pastries. Pair your plate with locally roasted coffee to jumpstart the day.
Morning Activity: Hike the Carolina Beach State Park Flytrap Trail
After breakfast, head to Carolina Beach State Park to walk the Flytrap Trail. This easy, wheelchair-accessible loop winds through pocosin wetlands where the famous Venus flytrap grows in the wild and wildflowers bloom when in season. Did you know Carolina Beach is one of the few areas in the world where Venus flytraps grow natively?! It’s a short, scenic hike that feels equal parts educational and rejuvenating.
Afternoon
Lunch at Stoked Restaurant
Located on the Carolina Beach Marina, Stoked Restaurant offers fresh seafood with a view. Settle in on the patio overlooking the water or choose a table inside for a polished, yet relaxed atmosphere. The menu spans both surf and turf, from freshly caught seafood to satisfying burgers and pasta dishes.
Afternoon Activity: Hit the water with Sea Legs Pedal Pub
Gather your crew and climb aboard the Sea Legs Pedal Pub for a one-of-a-kind waterfront adventure. This BYOB, pedal-powered party cruise has comfortable seating, great music and a captain to steer while you sip, chat and take in the views.
Evening
Dinner at Lake Park Steakhouse
Make a reservation at Lake Park Steakhouse for deliciously tender steaks and seafood. The menu highlights premium cuts, ocean-to-table specialties and thoughtfully crafted sides. Popular picks include a rich, velvety lobster bisque, tender filet mignon and seasonal chef’s specials that showcase local ingredients.
Evening Activity: Sip on a brew at Good Hops Brewing
Wrap up the night with a flight at Good Hops Brewing, a laid-back craft brewery with a rotating tap list and a resident disc golf course. Try the Boardwalk Brown Ale or Flip Hop IPA, and enjoy the friendly, neighborhood vibe that gives adults a taste of the area’s local craft beer culture. The brewery is also dog friendly and frequently hosts events (from weekly trivia and yoga to seasonal events like Oktoberfest), so it’s worth checking the event calendar before you go.
Day 3: Morning Strolls and Local History
Morning
Breakfast at Malama Café
Start your last day with a wholesome breakfast at Malama Café. Known for smoothie bowls, avocado toast and fresh-pressed juices, this cozy café offers the perfect lighter start before a day of exploring.
Morning Activity: Walk along Carolina Beach Lake Park
Take a leisurely walk around Carolina Beach Lake Park, a scenic 11-acre freshwater lake just a few blocks from the ocean. The paved path is just under a mile, perfect for a relaxed morning stroll.
Afternoon
Lunch at Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn
Bold, eclectic and unapologetically fun, Flaming Amy’s is famous for its inventive burritos and over-the-top flavor combos. The menu is packed with options, from shareable appetizers and specialty burritos to indulgent desserts and inventive cocktails, all staying true to their motto: “Hot, Fast, Cheap and Easy.”
Afternoon Activity: Go on the WilmingtonNColor Seabreeze Tour
Explore one of the most historically significant African-American communities in the United States on the WilmingtonNColor Seabreeze Tour. This guided experience highlights culturally important sites throughout the city, sharing stories that might not be marked by visible landmarks but are central to the area’s heritage. Tours require registration at least a week in advance and a minimum of three participants, so plan ahead!
Departure
Whether you’re sipping craft cocktails, exploring coastal trails or sharing fresh seafood with friends, Carolina Beach offers the perfect mix of activities and places to stay for adults.
